Negotiations aimed at brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip are set to resume in Cairo on Sunday, as reported by Egyptian outlet Al-Qahera. This comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved fresh negotiations.
An anchor for Al-Qahera News, known for its proximity to Egypt’s intelligence services, announced the resumption of talks based on information from an Egyptian security source. Previous rounds of negotiations have involved mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, but a lasting agreement has been difficult to achieve.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire before Ramadan have faced challenges, with progress stalling despite earlier hopes. Netanyahu’s approval for new negotiations, set to take place in Doha and Cairo, was confirmed following discussions with Mossad chief David Barnea, although specifics about Barnea’s involvement were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, protests in Israel, including in its largest city, disrupted major roads as demonstrators called for the release of hostages held in Gaza and criticized the government’s approach to the conflict.
The hostage situation, stemming from attacks by militants on October 7, has been a focal point of the ceasefire negotiations, with discussions revolving around a potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, along with counterparts from Egypt and Jordan, called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the release of all hostages. France also pledged to propose a draft resolution at the UN Security Council outlining a political settlement and advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Despite recent diplomatic efforts, including a UN Security Council resolution and a court order directing Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, the situation on the ground remains unchanged.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with around 1,160 deaths in Israel, primarily civilians, due to Hamas’s attacks on October 7. Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza have led to a reported death toll of at least 32,705, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry under Hamas control.
